Who We Are: Understanding the Mission and Values That Shape Marian University

What's in a mission statement? This defines an organization's core goals and values, but it's much more than a simple idea or framework — it embodies purpose and passion, linking deeply held principles to everyday activities. A compelling mission statement has the power to motivate and connect, reminding us what matters and why. 

At Marian University, our mission statement serves a crucial purpose: it conveys our Franciscan Catholic heritage and our continued commitment to transformative educational experiences. Our mission emphasizes our effort to inspire ethical leaders to serve their communities with integrity, compassion, and purpose. It demonstrates how, as one of the most influential private universities in Indiana, Marian shapes lives and strengthens communities. 

Introduction: A University Defined by Purpose, Not Just Programs

The modern concept of the university experience often centers on specific academic programs, which tend to be career-focused. These programs often bring valuable opportunities to students and communities. However, without guiding values, they can feel disconnected or aimless. 

At Marian, academic programs gain strength and meaning from their deep ties to Franciscan values, guiding learning experiences that transcend the classroom. This approach is highly indicative of Marian's purpose as a Catholic university in Indiana, with each class forming a pathway to purposeful contribution. 

So, what is Marian University known for? Our mission and values reflect and fuel our positive reputation, as we will explain below. 

The Heart of Marian: A Mission Grounded in Franciscan Tradition

Marian's mission statement represents a guiding light, bringing joy, passion, and purpose to every classroom lesson, online interaction, and service experience. This mission draws from the values of our Franciscan heritage and ideals, respecting the inherent dignity of every student while advocating for justice, peace, and stewardship. These values have guided students and communities for centuries, and they continue to resonate today. 

What the Marian University Mission Statement Really Means

For Marian's inspiring mission statement to truly drive impact, it must be deeply understood. First, let's recap the Marian University mission statement: "to be a great Catholic university dedicated to achieving excellence in learning, which is achieved through teaching, research, and scholarly activities in the Franciscan and liberal arts tradition."

Put simply, Marian draws on Franciscan values to embed curiosity and compassion into the learning experience. The goal is to promote purpose-driven academic inquiry through a comprehensive set of learning activities and experiences: thought-provoking classroom discussions, in-depth research, immersive projects, and self-reflection. 

The Franciscan Values That Guide Daily Life

Grounded in Franciscan tradition, Marian's core values are deeply inspiring and highly illustrative. At Marian, students and faculty members are encouraged to embrace and actively practice the core principles that guide our campus and online communities:

• Dignity of the individual – Honoring the humanity and uniqueness of every student and community member. 
• Peace and justice – Working toward fairness and responding compassionately to the needs of others. 
• Reconciliation – Restoring connection to facilitate healing in our lives and communities. 
• Responsible stewardship – Using our talents and resources wisely to protect and preserve all that has been entrusted to us. 

How These Values Shape Decision-Making Across Campus

Marian's Franciscan values are built into every facet of campus life. They shape our curricula, ensuring that deeper meaning is infused into every class and lesson for all staff members. They influence how we address the needs of diverse learners, fueling comprehensive support services and community partnerships. They’re even built into our policies, along with our hiring practices and compassionate campus culture.  

What Marian University Is Known For Today

Marian University began as a humble boarding school in Oldenburg, founded by the Sisters of St. Francis. From the very beginning, Marian demonstrated a clear commitment to pursuing knowledge and addressing social challenges to promote human progress. This priority persists, even as community needs and learning modalities evolve. Today, Marian is known for fostering a deep connection between academic rigor and ethical responsibility. 

A Reputation for Academic Excellence and Innovation

Franciscan pedagogy emphasizes rigorous intellectual development, encouraging students to actively question their assumptions while embracing innovative ideas and research-backed insights. This is at the heart of Marian's approach to academic enrichment, with courses blending theory and hands-on application to spark curiosity and deepen understanding.

From engineering to business, nursing, education, and beyond, Marian offers a wide range of programs that share a similar emphasis on academic inquiry and understanding the subject matter. Curricula are carefully designed to introduce students to meaningful concepts while fostering critical thinking and ethical judgment. 

At Marian, hallmarks of academic excellence and innovation include interdisciplinary experiences and state-of-the-art simulation labs, where theoretical concepts take shape within the living Catholic Franciscan tradition of Marian University. Our students go on to make a profound difference across industries, supporting empathetic care, ethical leadership, and innovative problem-solving within today's most impact-driven fields. 

A Community Committed to Ethical Leadership

Ethical leadership should extend beyond classroom theory to encompass purpose-driven decision-making that’s grounded in theoretical knowledge and ethical judgment. At Marian, this begins with learning experiences that demonstrate how our everyday decisions, which are a vital part of campus life, can promote justice and serve the common good. 

This emphasis on service sets Marian apart from Indiana's other private and faith-based universities. Students and communities perceive Marian as a values-based leader — an authentic institution that actually puts core principles into action through education, service, and community engagement. 

Faith-Based, But Welcoming to All Backgrounds

Faith is intentionally woven into Marian's educational philosophies — and into everyday classroom and lab experiences. As a Catholic Franciscan institution, we radiate love and acceptance, drawing on the teachings of Jesus Christ to foster compassion and a sense of wonder. We also welcome students from all faith backgrounds, embracing diverse perspectives and actively encouraging inter-religious dialogue. Ultimately, we ask students to intentionally examine their beliefs as they learn to integrate faith and life. 

Values-Based Education in Action

We've highlighted the core values that exemplify the Marian experience, but how do they play out on campus and in the community? Every student's experience looks unique, but Franciscan university values shine through as passionate learners embrace new possibilities within classrooms, labs, and field settings. Learning experiences fuel our search for truth while reminding us that wisdom represents a lifelong pursuit. 

Educating the Whole Person

At Marian, we bring a holistic approach to higher education, addressing not only the cognitive side of academic inquiry but also the social, emotional, and spiritual aspects of deep learning. Franciscan pedagogy intentionally integrates faith, reason, and action in a unique learning model that links intellectual growth to spiritual depth. This whole-person approach encompasses philosophical and theological insight, deepening our shared search for meaning within all other disciplines.

Learning That Connects to Real Communities

Learning should not be limited to the classroom. Marian students, as members of a catholic institution, embrace purpose-driven inquiry, bringing powerful insights into the community through service projects and internships. Working with local agencies to expand our impact, we encourage our students to act as stewards and exemplify Franciscan values every step of the way. This fosters positive change in the community but also deepens learning, integrating justice, compassion, and social responsibility into interdisciplinary inquiry. 

Faculty Who Teach With Purpose

Marian's passionate faculty members live out Franciscan ideals on a daily basis, revealing how the university's mission and values can support personal growth and ethical discernment.

Drawing on professional expertise and a shared appreciation for holistic, purpose-driven education, faculty members foster supportive environments in which students feel cherished and respected. They act as mentors, offering individualized attention while calling on students to embrace their strengths and uncover their true potential. 

How Marian Supports Modern Learners — On Campus and Online

Higher education has undergone a dramatic transformation, with modern students carrying heightened expectations regarding digital access and immersion. Increasingly, education is framed as a fundamental right, rather than an optional (or exclusive) pursuit.

Many of today's students also believe that higher education should serve a greater purpose, promoting career development alongside personal growth and civic engagement. These shifting priorities are accompanied by evolving models and formats, which bring learning opportunities to a wider audience. At Marian, we're excited to continue sharing our Franciscan values as we move into digital spaces, offering meaningful support both online and on campus. 

Expanding Access Through Online and Adult Programs

Marian may be an Indiana landmark, but our influence extends further than ever. Today, we are pleased to welcome students from around the world into our learning community.

Our online program fosters connections that span thousands of miles, with deep conversations and immersive projects helping students and faculty members remain connected even when separated by geography or busy schedules. We offer a wide range of degrees, classes, and support services entirely online, accommodating busy adult students in their lifelong pursuit of growth and meaning. 

Programs That Prepare Students for Meaningful Careers

While we believe that a spirit of service transcends the professional environment, we also acknowledge that career development empowers students and graduates to share Franciscan values in diverse settings. To that end, we offer values-informed programs that reflect real needs in our communities. At Marian, academic experiences are not merely career-driven — they're purpose-driven. 

Belonging, Support, and a Community That Cares

Genuine caring and compassion are built into the very fabric of the Marian experience, integrated into every conversation and class project. Deep connections are grounded in core values but bolstered through purpose-driven learning experiences that encourage students to connect over their shared passions. This sense of belonging is further enhanced through advising and mentorship services, which provide personalized guidance and are accessible to online and on-campus students alike. 

Conclusion: A Mission That Lives in Every Student’s Journey

The Marian University mission brings joy and purpose to every student's academic and spiritual journey. 

A University Defined by Its Values

Marian’s story draws on a powerful tradition of service and leadership, using Franciscan principles to shape not only what students learn but also how they connect with each other and with their communities. These core values anchor our identity and remind us to continue striving for growth and spiritual meaning. 

Why Marian Continues to Stand Out

As a faith-based university, Marian makes a positive impression in Indiana and beyond, demonstrating the power of a values-based education to elevate students of every economic status and entire communities. By cultivating expansive online opportunities and strengthening our community involvement, we demonstrate how Franciscan principles can support ethical leadership while guiding thoughtful action. 

Inviting Students Into a Community of Meaning

As you embark on your quest for truth, look to the Marian University students and community for support and inspiration. We invite you to join our mission-driven learning community and discover how you can bring values such as peace, integrity, and compassion into your coursework and beyond. 

Sources

• https://www.marian.edu/about-marian/vision-mission-and-values  
• https://www.marian.edu/faith/_assets/_documents/mu_franciscanheritage.pdf
• https://www.marian.edu/faith/our-founders/dignity-of-the-individual 
• https://www.marian.edu/faith/our-founders/peace-and-justice 
• www.marian.edu/faith/our-founders/reconciliation 
• https://www.marian.edu/faith/